For some dancers, it’s all about the sparkly outfits and looking good on stage. But for sophomore Lindsey Ennen, dancing has a much deeper meaning.
Lindsey has been dancing her whole life. From the age of three she remembers being on stage. But when her dad was diagnosed with Burkett’s Leukemia/ Lymphoma, she never knew dancing would be her cure for her dads disease
“I needed a way to get everything off my mind. I had to find some way to express my feelings,” Ennen said.
That’s when she took dancing to the next level.
“My parents introduced me to dancing when I was really young, but it was just for fun. I loved the cute outfits and twirling around like a princess,” Ennen said.
But once she found out about the condition her dad was in, her attitude toward the sport changed.
“It wasn’t just about having fun anymore, it was my way of letting my feelings out,” Ennen said.
Her dad thought dancing would be good for Ennen.
“My dad always told me how great it was that I had something to do besides stand around the hospital,” Ennen said. “In a way, I think he felt bad that he was always in the hospital, and couldn’t just be a normal dad.”
Ennen understood her dad’s condition and never wanted him to feel ashamed. Her dad is doing much better now, but Ennen continues to dance. Ennen’s parents are always there to support her, especially her dad, because he knows she’s doing it for him. Along with all of her school work, dancing is one of her biggest priorities.
“It gets really overwhelming sometimes. My teachers are strict and it’s a huge time commitment,” Ennen said.
Dancing up to 10 hours on a normal week, and much more on competition weeks, the sport isn’t made for anyone.
“Some people think dancing is for anyone, but it’s not,” Ennen said. “You have to be dedicated to do what you love, that’s when the best dancing happens.”
To say the least, Ennen is dedicated. Her dad is proud to say that his daughter is a great dancer. Although she has been through the good and bad times, they both believe everything happens for a reason.
“Dancing has taught me so much. Self discipline and how to work hard at something,” Ennen said.
She plans to continue dancing through college and wherever else this sport takes her.